What is the primary purpose of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)?

The primary purpose of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations. This agency plays a critical role in the fight against drug abuse and illegal drug trafficking. Its responsibilities include ensuring that the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances are conducted legally and ethically. The DEA works to prevent the diversion of these substances for non-medical use, which involves monitoring and regulating pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and pharmacies.

By focusing on controlled substances, the DEA helps to safeguard public health and safety, making it pivotal in regulating substances that have potential for abuse. This regulatory framework is essential for maintaining the integrity of pharmaceuticals and ensuring that medications are used appropriately.

The other options pertain to different aspects of drug and healthcare regulation but do not align with the DEA's primary function. For instance, while dietary supplements and pharmaceutical waste disposal are important, they fall under the purview of other agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The oversight of drug testing procedures can also involve various organizations, but the DEA's main focus is specifically on controlled substances.